May Lake Loop, Saturday, June 24th, 2017

commentary by Connie

Special thanks to Terry for leading today's T.B.A. hike.  We headed out to May Lake loop in hopes of finding an item that Terry had lost. All we had to go on was that the item in question was yellow. The flies were bad and the deer flies were out as well.  We turned into a trail that was previously marked.  Because of  huge trees blown over from the last wind storm, the terrain was rough.  For a second we thought we were on one of Jean-Guy’s hikes. ( lol) There was a big smile on Terry’s face when we found his lost item: a giant yellow water bottle. Great hike with great people and an adventure to say the least. Joan said that next time she would just buy Terry another water bottle. (lol)

Spine Rd Beach, June 20th, 2017

commentary and photos by Emily

Thirteen lucky hikers  found their way from Spine Rd beach and back again!! We started from km 11 and hiked along the upper ridge to the second loop and back on the lower part of the trail.  We were lucky that the breeze kept the bugs at bay. Some caterpillars tried to hitch a ride on some hikers. We saw some trees that had been blown down in the recent storm.  We saw some very fresh looking deer tracks.  Sheila tried to share her apple with a little forest critter.We also saw signs of the elusive 2 legged nitwit.  This was at our lunch site on a secluded beach. Tell tale signs were the empty beer and cooler bottles , broken glass and various other garbage left around a campfire. 

We picked up what we could and brought it to the garbage bins at Spine Beach....about 10 minutes of a walk away from the "denning site"of this seldom seen critter.

It was a good day for a hike,in spite of it all! PHOTOS

Black Bear Presentation

Jim Johnson has invited everyone from our club to attend a Black Bear presentation which will discuss many aspects of black bear behaviour, biology, current research, Elliot Lake Bear Wise initiative and ways to avoid and react to a bear encounter.  It will be held Wednesday, June 28th at 6:45 pm at the Lester Pearson Civic Center. A free educational slide show is included in the presentation.  It is a great opportunity to acquire the knowledge necessary to feel more comfortable about traveling in bear country.

***** Hike Leaders, we need your help! *****

We’re scheduled to host two hikes in Mississagi PP on Canada Day (Saturday, July 1); a morning hike on the Helenbar Trail and an afternoon hike along the Semiwite Creek trail. Several of the hike leaders scheduled for this event are now unable to attend.  

Helenbar Marty and I can lead the morning hike on the Helenbar Trail. We need two additional hike leader for this hike. We will leave the trailhead (NOT the gatehouse) at 10 am. We will be finished sometime between 1-130 depending of course on the pace of the group. 

Semiwite Creek We need a minimum of two, preferably three, hike leaders for the afternoon family hike along Semiwite Creek. This hike leaves the gatehouse at 2 pm. 

If you are able to assist with one, or both, of these hikes, please call Astrid at 578-2095. 

Sherriff Lake, June 19, 2017

Commentary by Connie, photos by Connie, Astrid and Shauna
Ron and June led 13 hikers on a fantastic hike to Sheriff Lake, yes bugs were bad but they weren't bothering Connie. Astrid was thrilled to come across some lady slippers, lots of other flowers but I've forgotten the names of them!  PHOTOS

Helenbar Trail, June 15th, 2017

commentary and photos by Laura

The weather forecast was looking a bit dicey last night but as we got closer to hike time we were pleasantly surprised with blue skies, a light breeze and no rain.  Four of us hiked on the Helenbar Trail in Mississagi Provincial Park.  The trail was in good shape and the lush spring greenery was very scenic in the dappled sun.   It smelled lovely. The lookouts were stunning.  Mosquito and blackflies were heavy at times but our bug protection worked well.  Interestingly, tent worms were not about like they are in town.  We completed our hike in 3 hours and then we toured around the park a bit. PHOTOS

 

Denison Mine Site, June 12th, 2017

commentary and photos by Donna

There was a nice breeze, sun and blue skies today as we made our way out to enjoy a lunch and social chit chat while overlooking Quirke Lake.

What started with one person getting by the fence" the hard way"" ended with all of us doing the same. It seemed more exhilarating than what I had suggested which was to walk around it.

Sandhill cranes were seen by a couple in the front and we also saw fresh bear tracks. The blueberries are small and green now. Hopefully with more sun and rain there will be ample food for the wildlife this year.

Some of the hikers had never been here so it was a real treat for them. PHOTOS

Stoneridge - Buckles Mtn -Matinenda Ridge, June 8th, 2017

commentary and photos by Laura

Upon our departure from the Sears lot and after our police investigation – we were off on our merry way.  We dropped off one car at the golf course and then we headed back towards town.  Because we had a new trailhead marker we couldn’t miss where to park.   It was a warm and buggy day as the five of us made our way on the Trans Canada trail. There were no men to keep us in line. It was a fun hike with fantastic vistas.  Great company.    Really enjoyable.  We finished our hike around 1:00pm and then we met up for coffee and a few more laughs.  PHOTOS

June 5th, 2017

commentary by Connie
I would like to thank everyone who came out for my first hike, your support meant the world to me. Great people lead to a great hike, I can't wait to lead more.

*****Hiker Chicks' Dinner*****

The  next Hiker Chicks' dinner will be held at 5:00 pm on Friday, June 16th, at the Stone Ridge Golf Course.  If you wish to attend, please confirm with Angela at 705-848-3319 by June14th.  Hope to see many of you there.